Podcast appearances and mentions of lady vols

Welcome to The Turf Zone podcast. This episode features the article “Testing Ground” featured in Tennessee Turfgrass magazine. UT turfgrass researchers have invented a device to test the playability of football fields, soccer pitches, and other surfaces—with the goal of keeping athletes safe. In 2018, the NFL scheduled a game for a neutral site in Mexico. Though the field had passed mandatory tests like surface hardness, the league's players association had concerns about the safety of the field. So they turned to Distinguished Professor of Turfgrass Science and Management John Sorochan to represent their interests. Sorochan advised that there were too many inconsistencies in the field and that the lack of rooting was a serious issue. He argued that an inconsistent and unstable surface is an unsafe surface. And his advocacy helped get the game moved to a safer field. For Sorochan, the experience revealed the need across multiple sports for a better way to test the playability and compliance of natural grass surfaces. Together, he and Kyley Dickson (BS '12, MS '14, PhD '17), researcher and co-director of UT's Center for Athletic Field Safety, invented a solution that has surpassed its original goal: the fLEX Device. This portable machine realistically simulates the motion of an athlete's foot striking the ground, using a 3D-printed foot outfitted with a real cleat. “There were machines out there to test artificial turf—years before, Dr. Sorochan helped AstroTurf develop one,” Dickson says. “But nothing was specific to natural grass. “We also wanted to go beyond the static vertical load, rotational, and slide tests that existing tools used,” he continues. “We put sensors around the 3D-printed foot and ankle to measure energy that would be transferred back to the athlete. This makes fLEX unique.” Development of the fLex Device reflects the driving force behind sports turf research at UT: the human impact of athlete–surface interactions. “Our tool to measure what athletes would feel on natural grass has turned out to be equally applicable for synthetic turf, running tracks, even basketball courts—all surfaces but ice for hockey—to understand the effects on athletes,” Sorochan says. A Team Effort Producing the fLEX Device was interdisciplinary from the start. Sorochan and Dickson hired metal workers to build their device, mechanical engineers to run calculations, and a recent UT computer science graduate to develop software to collect and interpret sensor data. UT kinesiology and biomechanics experts scientifically validated the device. “At the biomechanics lab, fLEX struck the force plate like a human athlete would,” Sorochan says. “We learned how to calibrate it to simulate foot strikes for different-sized athletes, from a 350-pound NFL athlete down to a 35-pound kid playing soccer at school.” They partnered with UT Athletics for real-world testing. After football games at Neyland Stadium, researchers would collect data from more than 70 spots across the field to form a comprehensive picture of its condition. “Neyland is probably the most tested stadium anywhere,” Sorochan laughs. And when the Lady Vols soccer team needed to change cleats, the fLEX Device informed that decision by measuring the load different shoes put on players' bodies. “Being a Vol means being part of a team,” Sorochan says. “So many Vols have helped us develop and test fLEX.” From Concept to Commercialization Early prototypes involved manually ratcheting and releasing gears. When Sorochan and Dickson collected feedback from field managers and student researchers who used the device, everyone agreed: there were too many components and too many data points. “To make a real-world impact,” Sorochan says, “it had to be simpler for field managers and other turf professionals to use, understand, and benefit from our device. We also needed to scale up in terms of production and audience. UT and UT Research Foundation played important roles in accomplishing that and commercializing our invention.” In 2024, Sorochan and Dickson received the inaugural Chancellor's Innovation Fund award. They focused those funds on automating the device and streamlining the user experience. UT Research Foundation helped them patent their technology, connect with business advisors, and put their product on the market. Today, users set and release the gears with the touch of a button. The screen displays three key data points: surface traction, surface hardness, and amount of energy returned to the athlete. The software automatically generates a report complete with summary, graphs, and a heat map highlighting inconsistencies across the field. International Impact The fLEX Device's credibility has grown with every sporting venue the team has tested over the last five years—130-plus stadiums connected to the NFL, MLB, and other professional and college leagues in five countries. FIFA, soccer's international governing body, has seen the value of the fLEX Device firsthand during a five-year research collaboration with UT. Billions of FIFA World Cup 26 viewers will soon watch top athletes play on natural grass pitches developed by Sorochan's research team. Several of the host stadiums for the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 used a first-of-its-kind “shallow profile” pitch. “It was a ‘wow' moment when fLEX first demonstrated that the shallow construction method we were experimenting with performed the same as a standard pitch, which has 12 inches of sand underneath,” Sorochan says. “This shallow profile could enable host stadiums that typically use synthetic turf to quickly and cost effectively install safe natural grass pitches for the World Cup tournaments.” At FIFA's request, Sorochan's team used the fLEX Device to gather field data before and after each Club World Cup game in summer 2025. They'll likely use fLEX in the same way during FIFA World Cup 26: to inform real-time field management decisions that protect players and ensure uniform conditions across all 16 host stadiums. “FIFA has incredibly high standards for these pitches,” Sorochan says. “fLEX is the right tool to make sure their expectations for consistency, safety, and performance are met.” In May 2025, global pitch management solutions company SGL purchased the fLEX Device product rights. “SGL is an industry leader expanding its portfolio of resources and tools for improving sports fields,” Sorochan says. “They invest in quality and R&D. fLEX was a great fit.” “fLEX represents the very best of UT—ideas that are generated and implemented locally and go on to change the world,” says Deb Crawford, vice chancellor for research, innovation, and economic development. “By leveraging the Chancellor's Innovation Fund and partnering with private industry, Dr. Sorochan and his colleagues have expanded their impact, ensuring that UT innovations continue to have a profound impact worldwide.” Dickson is directing product development for SGL fLEX Systems. “I'll explore questions to make it even more user friendly, like Could it be robotic? Could we put an electric motor drive on it? Are we getting the right data for different sports?” “This device will make all sports surfaces safer for all levels, from young kids to professional players,” Sorochan sums up. “UT's support made this impact possible. Now, SGL is making it global.” Delve into UT's research to create the best and most consistent pitches for FIFA World Cup 26. You have been listening to The Turf Zone Podcast. Follow The Turf Zone on X, Facebook and LinkedIn for all things turfgrass, featuring podcasts, magazines, events and more. The post Testing Ground appeared first on The Turf Zone.

Doug Matthews is joined by Jimmy Hyams to break down the biggest storylines dominating Tennessee athletics. From massive roster overhauls to eye-popping budget numbers, they cover it all. They dive deep into the changing philosophy of roster construction, debating whether traditional high school recruiting rankings even matter in the age of the immediate-impact transfer portal. Plus, they break down the high-stakes puzzle of maintaining quarterback depth, the strategic moves behind the Lady Vols' new-look roster under Kim Caldwell, and a staggering budget surge for Rick Barnes and the Men's Basketball program.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Doug Matthews is joined by Jimmy Hyams to break down the biggest storylines dominating Tennessee athletics. From massive roster overhauls to eye-popping budget numbers, they cover it all. They dive deep into the changing philosophy of roster construction, debating whether traditional high school recruiting rankings even matter in the age of the immediate-impact transfer portal. Plus, they break down the high-stakes puzzle of maintaining quarterback depth, the strategic moves behind the Lady Vols' new-look roster under Kim Caldwell, and a staggering budget surge for Rick Barnes and the Men's Basketball program.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Zach Ragan and Charlie Burris of the Big Orange Podcast recap and give grades to all of the major Tennessee sports teams. Both the Vols and Lady Vols had big years, some teams out performed expectations while others were complete disappointments. Do you agree with Zach and Charlie's grades, how would you grade the 2025-26 seasons for Tennessee? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hour 2 of June 10, 2026 Jacob Townsend talks about what Brett Yormark and the Big 12 are going to do about Texas Tech and Brendan Sorsby with so much pressure from the rest of the league. Then, he discusses the TSSAA voting on Tuesday to implement a shot clock in high school basketball. Also, the Lady Vols move quick on a new hitting coach. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 1 of SportsTalk featured John Wilkerson and Vince Ferrara talking Vols baseball, the CWS, the latest Lady Vols softball staffing shakeup, the NBA Finals, and a look at the Brendan Sorsby ruling.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 1 of SportsTalk featured John Wilkerson and Vince Ferrara talking Vols baseball, the CWS, the latest Lady Vols softball staffing shakeup, the NBA Finals, and a look at the Brendan Sorsby ruling.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 1 of SportsTalk featured John Wilkerson and Vince Ferrara talking Vols baseball, the CWS, the latest Lady Vols softball staffing shakeup, the NBA Finals, and a look at the Brendan Sorsby ruling.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 1 of SportsTalk featured John Wilkerson and Vince Ferrara talking Vols baseball, the CWS, the latest Lady Vols softball staffing shakeup, the NBA Finals, and a look at the Brendan Sorsby ruling.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After Karen Weekly relying on one player to make the finals in the WCWS, the Lady Vols meet their match. ---------- TalkSports is LIVE Weekdays from 8-11 a.m. on Fox Sports Knoxville/ Fanrun Radio. Check Out our Socials: "@FOXSportsKnox" on Twitter/X, "FanrunSports" on Instagram and Youtube Jon- @Jon__Reed on "X" Cody- @Cody__McClure on "X" Sam- @_beard11 on "X" Bubba- @BrandonShown on "X"

VolQuest's Brent Hubbs joined John Wilkerson and Vince Ferrara to talk Vols football recruiting and recap the Lady Vols' softball season.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joey got some “dirty” Mountain Dew sodas that are orange creamsicle flavored. We talked about the new McDonald’s versions of dirty sodas. If you could only listen to one type of music of a year, what would it be? You can only choose between mumble rap, heavy medal Christian, AI EDM, or post- 9/11 country. Nancy’s husband wants to go visit a town in North Carolina that the show Andy Griffith was based on. Hot Tea: Taylor Swift is releasing a new song for Toy Story 5. Cody Johnson responded to the hate comments about him killing a bear. A family ordered an urn off of Amazon, but it arrived already full of ashes. Karly has been secretly going on dates without telling Joey and Nancy. She has been on a total of 5 dates with 3 different guys. We're going on a pizza tour! Come hang out with us at Harby's Pizza on June 9th from 5-7pm. The first 300 slices of pizza are FREE!!! Lucky 7 for $50 to the Copper Cellar Family of Restaurants Karly has been seeing a lot of weird things for sale on Facebook Marketplace. She had Joey and Nancy play another round of The Price is Right with her weird finds. Joey explained the drama happening with the Lady Vols softball team and a former player at the College World Series. Group Therapy: My Coworker Wants to Carpool to Work, but I Don’t Want to See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

VolQuest's Brent Hubbs joined John Wilkerson and Vince Ferrara to talk Vols football recruiting and recap the Lady Vols' softball season.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bonus coverage of SportsTalk featured John Wilkerson and Vince Ferrara reviewing their segments with Brent Hubbs, as well as more on the Lady Vols falling to Texas in the CWS semifinals, Vols baseball, and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 3 of SportsTalk featured John Wilkerson and Vince Ferrara talking Lady Vols softball, Vols baseball and more. Plus, VolQuest's Brent Hubbs joined to talk Vols football.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 2 of SportsTalk featured John Wilkerson and Vince Ferrara continuing to talk Lady Vols softball as their season comes to an end after falling twice to Texas in the CWS seminfinals.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 1 of SportsTalk featured John Wilkerson and Vince Ferrara breaking down the Lady Vols' losses in the CWS semifinals against Texas, the Vols baseball players who've entered the transfer portal, and more. Plus, comments from Tennessee head softball coach Karen Weekly and Tennessee pitcher Karlyn Pickens.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joey got some “dirty” Mountain Dew sodas that are orange creamsicle flavored. We talked about the new McDonald’s versions of dirty sodas. If you could only listen to one type of music of a year, what would it be? You can only choose between mumble rap, heavy medal Christian, AI EDM, or post- 9/11 country. Nancy’s husband wants to go visit a town in North Carolina that the show Andy Griffith was based on. Hot Tea: Taylor Swift is releasing a new song for Toy Story 5. Cody Johnson responded to the hate comments about him killing a bear. A family ordered an urn off of Amazon, but it arrived already full of ashes. Karly has been secretly going on dates without telling Joey and Nancy. She has been on a total of 5 dates with 3 different guys. We're going on a pizza tour! Come hang out with us at Harby's Pizza on June 9th from 5-7pm. The first 300 slices of pizza are FREE!!! Lucky 7 for $50 to the Copper Cellar Family of Restaurants Karly has been seeing a lot of weird things for sale on Facebook Marketplace. She had Joey and Nancy play another round of The Price is Right with her weird finds. Joey explained the drama happening with the Lady Vols softball team and a former player at the College World Series. Group Therapy: My Coworker Wants to Carpool to Work, but I Don’t Want to See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 2 of June 2, 2026 Jacob Townsend recaps the Lady Vols season coming to a close with two losses to Texas on Monday. Then, he has postgame sound from head coach Karen Weekly, along with pitcher Karlyn Pickens and infielder Emma Clarke. Also, he talks about the number of Tennessee baseball players going into the portal on Monday, as well as the ETSU women's basketball team adding another portal commit. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 2 of June 2, 2026 Jacob Townsend and Bud talk about whether Karen Weekly had the wrong mindset for the Lady Vols on Monday. Then, how much blame does Josh Elander deserve for a disappointing season in his first year. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 1 of SportsTalk featured John Wilkerson and Vince Ferrara breaking down the Lady Vols' losses in the CWS semifinals against Texas, the Vols baseball players who've entered the transfer portal, and more. Plus, comments from Tennessee head softball coach Karen Weekly and Tennessee pitcher Karlyn Pickens.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 2 of SportsTalk featured John Wilkerson and Vince Ferrara continuing to talk Lady Vols softball as their season comes to an end after falling twice to Texas in the CWS seminfinals.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 3 of SportsTalk featured John Wilkerson and Vince Ferrara talking Lady Vols softball, Vols baseball and more. Plus, VolQuest's Brent Hubbs joined to talk Vols football.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

VolQuest's Brent Hubbs joined John Wilkerson and Vince Ferrara to talk Vols football recruiting and recap the Lady Vols' softball season.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bonus coverage of SportsTalk featured John Wilkerson and Vince Ferrara reviewing their segments with Brent Hubbs, as well as more on the Lady Vols falling to Texas in the CWS semifinals, Vols baseball, and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Karen Weekly called out her former player, at least according to the player. Elander ran into a blender of ECU and VCU in the Chapel Bill Regional. ---------- TalkSports is LIVE Weekdays from 8-11 a.m. on Fox Sports Knoxville/ Fanrun Radio. Check Out our Socials: "@FOXSportsKnox" on Twitter/X, "FanrunSports" on Instagram and Youtube Jon- @Jon__Reed on "X" Cody- @Cody__McClure on "X" Sam- @_beard11 on "X" Bubba- @BrandonShown on "X"

Hour 1 of SportsTalk featured John Wilkerson and Vince Ferrara breaking down Lady Vols softball as they continue to advance through the College World Series, a breakdown of alleged comments made by Karen Weekly, Vols baseball, and more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 3 of SportsTalk featured John Wilkerson and Vince Ferrara breaking down Lady Vols softball after their win over Texas Tech to advance to the semifinals of the CWS, Vols baseball after their season ends at the Chapel Hill Regional, and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bonus coverage of SportsTalk featured John Wilkerson and Vince Ferrara recapping today's show, as well as more discussion of Lady Vols softball, Vols baseball, and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 2 of SportsTalk featured John Wilkerson and Vince Ferrara talking Lady Vols softball after their win over Texas Tech to advance to the CWS semifinals, Vols baseball after their season ends at the Chapel Hill Regional, and more. Plus, comments from Tennessee head softball coach Karen Weekly.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

• Lady Vols are headed to the semis • The baseball team is headed back home • What's next? • The State of Chaz Coleman and more!

99.1 The Sports Animal's Tyler Ivens joins Phil to talk about the Lady Vols continuing their quest to a College World Series championship, what the offseason look for Josh Elander and the baseball team after being eliminated in the Chapel Hill regional & more! #PhilShow #VolsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 1 of June 1, 2026 Jacob Townsend talks about the Lady Vols getting set to take on Texas in the national semifinals on Monday. Then, Jacob has sound from Lady Vols head coach Karen Weekly, pitchers Karlyn Pickens and Sage Mardjetko, and second baseman Emma Clarke. Also, he has sound from Tennessee baseball coach Josh Elander, outfielder Reese Chapman, and catcher Stone Lawless. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 4 of June 1, 2026 Jacob Townsend talks with Deb Williams, of Autoweek.com, about Denny Hamlin's win at Nashville, his penalty, the brakes, wrecks, Corey Heim's new deal, and more. Then, Jacob talks about Brendan Sorsby being in court today for his injunction against the NCAA. Also, Jacob gives his final thoughts on the Lady Vols getting set for their semifinal series against Texas. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bonus coverage of SportsTalk featured John Wilkerson and Vince Ferrara recapping today's show, as well as more discussion of Lady Vols softball, Vols baseball, and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 3 of SportsTalk featured John Wilkerson and Vince Ferrara breaking down Lady Vols softball after their win over Texas Tech to advance to the semifinals of the CWS, Vols baseball after their season ends at the Chapel Hill Regional, and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 2 of SportsTalk featured John Wilkerson and Vince Ferrara talking Lady Vols softball after their win over Texas Tech to advance to the CWS semifinals, Vols baseball after their season ends at the Chapel Hill Regional, and more. Plus, comments from Tennessee head softball coach Karen Weekly.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 1 of SportsTalk featured John Wilkerson and Vince Ferrara breaking down Lady Vols softball as they continue to advance through the College World Series, a breakdown of alleged comments made by Karen Weekly, Vols baseball, and more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 2 of SportsTalk featured Vince Ferrara and Charley Collier breaking down Vols baseball as they prepare to face East Carolina today, Lady Vols softball after their big 1st round win over Texas in the Women's College World Series. Plus, Jimmy Hyams joined the program to discuss his upcoming charity golf tournament.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 1 of SportsTalk featured Vince Ferrara and Charley Collier talking Lady Vols softball after their 1st round win in the Women's College World Series, Vols baseball as they prepare for East Carolina in the Chapel Hill Regional, and the latest with the SEC Spring Meetings in Destin. Plus, comments from Tennessee head softball coach Karen Weekly and Lady Vol Elsa Morrison.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 3 of SportsTalk featured Vince Ferrara and Charley Collier talking Vols baseball and Lady Vols softball with VFL Will Heflin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

99.1 The Sports Animal's Tyler Ivens joins Phil to talk about the Lady Vols knocking off Texas in their first game at the College World Series, preview Tennessee's trip to Chapel Hill for Regional play this weekend & more! #PhilShow #VolsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tyler and Will Hour #4 with the Sportsfix at 6, Brian Rice talking Lady Vols softball, and Love It or Leave It! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 1 of SportsTalk featured John Wilkerson and Vince Ferrara talking the SEC spring meetings in Destin, Vols baseball, Lady Vols softball, and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 1 of SportsTalk featured John Wilkerson and Vince Ferrara talking Vols baseball as they prepare for the Chapel Hill Regional, Lady Vols softball as they prepare for the Super Regional in Oklahoma City, SEC Media Days in Destin, and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 2 of SportsTalk featured John Wilkerson and Vince Ferrara talking Vols baseball as they prepare for East Carolina in the Chapel Hill Regional, Lady Vols softball as they prepare for Texas in the Super Regional, and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Drive HR 3 5.22.26 TMG Fest! Lady Vols back to OKC! by Fanrun Radio

3HL - 5-22-26 - Hour 3 - Reacting to anonymous SEC coaching comments on Tennessee and Vandy, former Gator and SEC Network analyst Patric Young talks SEC hoops, and the Lady Vols softball team punches their ticket to the WCWSSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 1 of SportsTalk featured John Wilkerson and Vince Ferrara talking Lady Vols softball as they edge closer to advancing in the NCAA Tournament. Plus, comments from Tennessee Lady Vols head softball coach Karen Weekly from after their win over Georgia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 2 of SportsTalk featured John Wilkerson and Vince Ferrara talking Vols football, Vols hoops, and Lady Vols softball as UT prepares for Game 2 against Georgia to advance in the NCAA Tournament. Plus, comments from Tennessee TE Ethan Davis.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.